We are thrilled to be part of the Summit of the Future at the UN Headquarters this week, a truly ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ aimed at accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda and addressing other critical global challenges. Florence, based in the U.S., provides insights and background about what we will be working on while in New York.

Since 2023, our team has worked tirelessly to advocate for the inclusion of population issues in the final Summit of the Future outcome document. Florence Blondel and Josh Hill will represent Population Matters at the event, including hosting a hybrid event. Stay tuned for updates on our activities and key takeaways from the summit! 

Summit of the future: A GLOBAL EVENT FOR POSITIVE IMPACT 

The UN is holding the two-day Summit of the Future, described as a ‘landmark event,’ ahead of the annual high-level debate in the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79). Preceding the Summit are two Action Days, where Population Matters will engage alongside 7,000 other registrants, representing various sectors and regions.

Guy Ryder, Under Secretary-General for Policy and the UN lead for the Summit, explained the significance of the event, stating: 

The idea of the Summit is to render the United Nations, the multilateral system, more effective in the fulfillment of its mandate; to make it more participatory, more networked. This, in the face of the very clear global challenges that we face,”

GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, LOCAL ACTIONS: POPULATION MATTERS HOSTS EVENT

A highlight of our involvement in the Summit of the Future is the hybrid side event we’re hosting, which has already attracted over 200 online registrants. Organised in collaboration with partners from Kenya, India and Nigeria, the event emphasises the importance of global partnerships in achieving our mission. We will explore how individual choices impact the individual, our families and the planet we share with other species. 

We will showcase innovative educational interventions from Kenya and India, designed to empower individuals and communities. Additionally, our Nigerian partner, Auwal Musa Ibrahim, will share insights from the successful Population Conversation project in Nigeria and discuss future plans. Auwal said: 

While population impacts every aspect of societal development, discussions around this issue remain rare in Nigeria. With projections indicating Nigeria’s population could double to 400 million by 2050, the lack of dialogue raises concerns about facing a potential demographic crisis.” 

“MOTHER DOCUMENT”: OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PACT FOR THE FUTURE 

We worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure the action-oriented outcome document reflects our message. We expect world leaders to adopt the Pact for the Future at the Summit. It is also referred to as the “mother document” and addresses five key areas: completing the 2030 Agenda, peace, technology, youth and future generations, and global governance. 

We are proud to have collaborated closely with our U.S. partners, Population Connection and Population Media Center. The UN Economic and Social Council officially recognise them as ECOSOC-status NGOs. They both focus on sustainable development through population solutions that benefit both people and the planet. 

During the preparatory process, we were invited to participate in two consultations. In our first oral statement, we advocated for prioritising SDGs 1, 3, 4 and 5 — eradicating poverty, achieving universal healthcare, providing education for all and promoting gender equality — as the most effective ways to address population growth. 

POPULATION ACTION FOR THE FUTURE: OUR BRIEFING  

Following the release of the World Population Prospects, we delivered a second statement. This urged leaders to aim for an earlier, smaller peak population through empowering solutions. We have prepared a detailed briefing to distribute at the event, emphasising that:

Those serious about addressing the world’s most pressing problems cannot ignore population growth and its impact on both the planet and its most vulnerable communities.” 

We expect the Pact for the Future to chart a course towards achieving the SDGs and addressing emerging challenges. Other anticipated outcomes include the Global Digital Compact, which ensures technology serves humanity equitably. The Declaration on Future Generations ensures decisions today consider tomorrow’s needs. Intense negotiations are ongoing, and we’re eager to see if they will reach a consensus at the Summit.